An object of the present invention is to provide a hypochlorous acid based sterilizing composition which is less corrosive to metal and a method for sterilizing a subject using the same. Provided by the present application is an aqueous sterilizing composition which comprises:(a) hypochlorous acid or at least one component which can release hypochlorous acid in water, and (b) a buffering agent; wherein the concentration of available chlorine in the composition upon use is 0.0001-12%. An electrolyzed water may be used instead of component (a).
A method for sterilizing a subject using the aqueous sterilizing composition of the invention is also provided.
